Preciliano Manuel Garcia

Preciliano "Pres" M. Garcia, born Monday, July 6, 1931, in Lumberton, New Mexico, to Preciliano C. Garcia and Cleofas Martinez Garcia. Pres, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle entered eternal life on Saturday, October 29, 2022.

He is survived by his daughter, Sheila Weaver and husband Cliff from Albuquerque, NM; son, Gary Garcia and wife Jill from Artesia, NM; daughter, Debbie Turcotte and husband, Scott from Albuquerque, NM.; grandchildren, Stephanie Heath and husband, Andy from Longmont, CO, Amanda Jury and husband, Jim from Albuquerque, NM, Dr. Robert Weaver, from Tyler, TX, Scottie Jo Turcotte from Albuquerque, NM., Sam Turcotte and fiancée, Ally Mady from Albuquerque, NM, Jake Turcotte from Albuquerque, NM.; great-grandchildren, Zach Weaver from Albuquerque, NM., Madison and Logan Jury from Albuquerque, NM., Drew and Dylan Heath from Longmont, CO., Brody Turcotte from Albuquerque, NM.; sister, Loyola Palmer from Lumberton, NM.; brother, Amos Garcia from Bloomfield, NM.; sister-in-law, Teodora Garcia and family; brother-in-law, Gilbert Lucero and family; sister-in-law Elma Garcia and family; in-laws: Lorrine Lucero and family, Mauricio Gomez and family; Msgr. Leo Gomez; Jose Eugenio Gomez III; Bernie Gomez and family, Roseann Gomez and family; as well as many caring nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly. Pres was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rafaelita; his parents; infant daughter, Deborah Kathleen; brothers, Ralph Garcia and Joe Garcia; sisters, Lucy Props, and Mary Lucero; sister-in-law, Lucille Salazar; brother-in-law, Manuel Gomez and Isaac Gomez.

Pres' early years were spent on the family ranch in Montezuma, CO, he then moved to Lumberton, NM. before attending Northern NM Normal School in El Rito, NM., graduating in 1949, and voted most talented. In 1951 he married the love of his life, Rafaelita Gomez, in which they spent 66 years together. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge he attended Highlands University and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1959 and his Master of Arts Degree in 1965. Pres started his teaching career at Dulce High School in Dulce, NM before moving his family to Albuquerque in 1962. After the move he taught at Ernie Pyle Junior High, Rio Grande High School and ultimately began working at the new Technical Vocational Institute (TVI), currently Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), in 1968. He taught many Business courses from beginning levels to advanced course work. After several years of being in the classroom he became an administrator and head of the business department. When TVI became a junior college (CNM) he returned to teaching until his retirement. Now, having more time on his hands, he and Rafaelita traveled to Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and many US cities. They also enjoyed their cruises to Panama, Alaska and The Caribbean. While a member of the Knights of Columbus he and Rafaelita made pilgrimages to the Shrines of Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, and Our Lady of Guadalupe. Pres was also a member of the Elks Club. He enjoyed playing golf, bridge and most of all his Friday evenings at the casino. He truly loved spending time with all of his family and friends. Pres will be greatly missed by those who loved and cared for him. The family deeply appreciates and thanks Dr. Geoffrey Kunz, Dr. Dulcinea Quintana, and the loving and compassionate staff at the UNM Cancer Center.

Friends may visit one hour prior to the Rosary being recited at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at French-Lomas.

Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Thursday, November 10, 2022, at The Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11401 Indian School Rd. NE, officiated by Father Rick Zerwas and Msgr. Leo Gomez. The pallbearers will be Rob, Sam, Jake, Zach and Drew. Honorary pallbearers will be Madison, Logan, Dylan and Brody. Luncheon to follow entombment. Memorial contributions in honor of Pres can be made to the Shrine Pantry at St. Bernadette, St. Jude Children's Hospital or Carrie Tingley Hospital.